Our roots. In 2009, Jose Paolo Palileo took the helm of the Rural Bank of Atimonan after spearheading its microfinance operations since 2001. Under his leadership, the bank pivoted its focus to microfinance, moving away from traditional banking to better serve their primary clients – vulnerable Filipinos who are excluded from the formal financial system.

By 2018, the bank had established 14 offices throughout Quezon Province, intentionally prioritizing isolated and disadvantaged areas. It was also in this year that the bank entered into a merger with the Rural Bank of Pangil, marking the start of its expansion outside of Quezon.

Bayanihan Bank. As Palileo's team strengthened their operations in Quezon and Laguna, they rebranded under a new name. In 2020, the Rural Bank of Atimonan became officially known as Bayanihan Bank.

Continuing their expansion in Luzon, the bank entered into its second merger in 2023 with the Rural Bank of Pozzorubio in Pangasinan. In 2025, Bayanihan Bank opened an office in Alabang – its first branch in Metro Manila - while simultaneously starting operations in Daet, Camarines Norte.

As of 2026, Bayanihan Bank has 29 offices across Quezon, Laguna, Pangasinan, Camarines Norte, and Alabang. By 2030, Bayanihan Bank aims to be present throughout Luzon and to begin its expansion in the Visayas and Mindanao.